Kruger Investing $32.4 Million in Modernization Project at Kamloops Pulp Mill

Sept. 12, 2024 - Kruger today announced a $32.4 million investment at its Kamloops Pulp Mill in British Columbia, Canada, to implement innovative technology to diversify its product portfolio and expand into fast growing markets.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia are contributing $5 million each to this project through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program (Canada) and the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund.

"We are very grateful for the financial support from the IFIT program and the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund," said Irene Preto, General Manager, Kruger Kamloops.

According to Kruger, Kamloops' new pulp washing system will enhance the plant's effectiveness and significantly reduce inorganic material and talc in the finished product. The process will also result in a notable reduction in bleaching chemical usage.

This technology will be combined with advanced controls and AI-based capabilities to ensure that the pulp consistently meets the most stringent requirements for specialty products that require ultraclean pulp.

"We're especially excited to implement an innovative technology that will optimize our manufacturing processes, improve our environmental footprint, and reinforce Kruger's position as a competitive supplier of high-quality, ethically sourced and sustainably sound specialty pulp," Preto said.

Slated for completion in 2026, the project will enable Kruger Kamloops to ramp up production of ultra-clean pulp from 43,000 MT in its first year up to more than 115,000 MT annually in its third year and beyond.

Kruger acquired the Kamloops Mill from Domtar in June 2022.

Founded in Montréal in 1904, Kruger Inc. is a major provider of tissue products, 100% recycled containerboard, corrugated packaging, pulp and paper products, renewable energy and cellulosic biomaterials.

SOURCE: Kruger Inc.